Live Your Best Lives
Huayang Lake, built in 1958, has a reservoir capacity of 5 million cubic meters and a controlled drainage area of 183,000 mu (approximately 16,000 hectares). Its deepest point reaches 69.6 meters, and the dam is 262 meters long. The lake boasts clear, sweet waters, lush fish, and is surrounded by mountains.
The lake area is part of the Huayang Dafoshan Scenic Area, located in Wumiao Township, Gushi County, Henan Province, on the Huanghuai watershed, at the foot of Dafoshan, the main peak of the West Jiuhua Mountains. Huayang Dafoshan, also known as Caojiazhai Mountain, is located at the southernmost tip of Gushi County, at the northern foot of the Dabie Mountains. With an elevation of 1,025.6 meters, it is the highest of the Gushi Mountains.
Huayang Lake Ecotourism Scenic Area, a national AAA-level scenic area invested and developed by Gushi Huayang Lake Ecotourism Industry Development Co., Ltd., is a scenic area primarily focused on leisure, vacation, and conference services. Covering a planned area of 10 square kilometers, the area is divided into several major zones: a water recreation area, a folk customs area, a tea culture area, a wild fruit picking area, a hotel and accommodation area, a villa and wooden cabin area, and a lakeside leisure area. The area boasts diverse ecological resources, including mountains, water, tea, forests, fruit, and fish, and is complemented by supporting facilities such as a three-star hotel, a zoo, a swimming pool, and an outdoor training camp.
Huayang Lake boasts a subtropical monsoon climate, clear and sweet water, deep lakes, lush fish, and is surrounded by mountains. It's a great place to visit in all seasons.
In the Huayang Lake Scenic Area, visitors can take a boat to ride on the waves of Huayang Lake, walk along the lakeside embankment to listen to the gushing mountain springs and the roaring of pine waves, climb up the Buddha worship platform to appreciate the broad mind of the Huayang Giant Buddha, or follow the trails to explore the beautiful legends such as the "Wangfu Stone" and the "Guanyin Cave" that reflect the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
20 yuan/person
06:00-18:00
Huayang Lake is a scenic freshwater lake in Xinyang, Henan, known for its ecological importance, recreational value, and natural beauty. It has historically supported local agriculture, fisheries, and tourism development.
The entrance fee is usually around 30–50 CNY per person and can be purchased at the ticket office. Some local online ticket platforms may offer pre-purchase options.
Booking is generally not required, except during national holidays or weekends when advance tickets are recommended.
2–4 hours are sufficient to walk around the main lake area, enjoy scenic spots, and take a boat ride.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese. English or other language guides are limited and usually need prior arrangement.
Night visits are generally not permitted. Special tours may be arranged during local festivals.
Weekdays are less crowded. Weekends and public holidays can be busy, especially during spring and autumn.
Most lakeside paths are flat and accessible, but some forest trails or hill viewpoints may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is accepted; mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly accepted for tickets and purchases.
Local restaurants near the lake serve Henan cuisine and snacks. Some small cafes are available for tea or light refreshments.
Vegetarian options are available in local eateries; vegan and halal options are limited and may require inquiry.
Several hotels and guesthouses in Xinyang city or near the lake entrance offer convenient access, from budget to mid-range options.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, lake-themed items, and small keepsakes or trinkets.
